Page 36 of Scars and Burns

I study it. Looking for any flaw. Any difference. But I can’t find one. It’s an exact match to my own.

My eyes linger. Not wanting to look away. My own mark begins to burn. A pull towards her I don’t yet understand.

I need to take my leave before I go too far. I have already overstepped my bounds.

I release her from the tree. Bidding her a final farewell. Reinforcing my condolences for the loss of her Mother, before teleporting away.Normally I wouldn’t reveal that part of my magic but I can’t stay any longer. She is testing my resolve.

22

Dinalia

I’msitting alone in my room. Petting the little lynx cub I’ve sneaked in. At least they are still here.

I have come to find out it is a female and not a male. Unsure of what to name them.

We are relaxing on the large chaise lounge next to the fireplace when there is a knock at the door. Picking up my sweet cub and setting them gently back down. I saunter over to the door. Not wanting to speak with anyone today.

Not after losing my Mother and the encounter I just had with the Shadowling. He has my mind spinning.

I open the door to find Saphrina standing there. I push the door open even more. Stepping aside and motioning for her to come in.

She glances around my room. Taking it all in. She’s most likely never even been to this side of the castle before.

I am the only one who resides here. The rooms are reserved for guests of King Elio. Though he never hosts.

Shutting my door with enough force to make her jump. Pulling her wandering eyes back to me.

She seems nervous. Like she is afraid to be in my room. Afraid toconfront me.

This is not going to be easy. For either of us. We haven’t exactly been sisters over the last twelve years.

With my best voice, I say, “Is there something I can help you with Saphrina?”

She doesn’t say anything. Her eyes scurry down to her feet. Her mouth pinches. I can see she has something to say. She just doesn’t know how to say it.

Clearly, uncomfortable in the situation. A princess having to come to this side of the castle. And for the first time in her life, I’m sure, not confident in her fate.

Sighing, I relent. She has done nothing wrong. She is innocent. Acting and living the only way she has ever known. “Saphrina, what is it?” I ask in a relaxed voice. Attempting to emulate our Mother.

“I’m scared.” Her voice is soft and weak. She’s fidgeting with her hands. “Can I pet your kitty?”

My head snaps to the lynx cub still lounging on the chaise. Then back to her. What do I even say? It’s not a kitty. Not even close. But I can see how she might think that from its small size and young age.

“It’s not a kitty… well it is a kitty… it’s a feline… but not a domestic cat… but uh… yeah sure.” Well that was pathetic. All the etiquette speaking lessons I’ve mastered over the years right out the window.

She makes her way over to the lynx. Cautious at first. The cub looks up at her. Glancing over to me for assurance. I give them a half smile and walk over to them. I sit and pick the little cub up as it crawls onto my lap.

I give Saphrina a slight nod with my head. Gesturing her to come join us on the chaise lounge.

She smiles back. Quickly joining us. She asks, “Where did you find them?” Reaching her hand up. Giving small scratches to their head.

My sweet new friend purrs. Lifting its head in agreement to thescratches. “I found them… hurt… in the forest.” I pause before the word ‘hurt’. Recalling what my Mother said. Informing me I healed their soul.

“Hurt? How so?” Saphrina asks, the concern is clear in her tone.

I’m not sure how to answer that question. Seeing as I don’t know how to explain how I healed them. “Um… not really sure but they are fine now.”

She smiles and hums at the little lynx, “That’s good. I’m glad to hear it.”

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